The Pettis County Health Department facilitated the delivery of three vending machines around Sedalia on Thursday, Nov. 13 that will allow the public to obtain doses of Narcan, which can save the life of someone experiencing a drug overdose.

About 20 people, many of whom lost a family member to a drug overdose, were on hand to watch the first machine arrive at the Pettis County Health Center. Mental Health Coordinator Dawn Williams helped to bring the machines to Pettis County and says they are needed in the community.

Each machine includes the pictures of five Sedalia area residents who lost their lives because of an overdose. Health department administrator Malinda Nevils says their photos, included with permission of their families, show the impact that fentanyl and other drugs have had on the community.

Williams and Nevils say that their department’s efforts to educate the public about the risk of drug overdose have helped to distribute over 5000 doses of Narcan. Purchase of the vending machines was covered by opioid settlement funds awarded to the City of Sedalia. Machines were also installed at Sedalia City Hall and State Fair Community College.

The Pettis County Health Center will pour a concrete pad to house their vending machine at the front of their building, allowing 24/7 availability. The department plans for a ribbon cutting ceremony Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. at their clinic on East 16th Street in Sedalia.